SCSO: Sumter man arrested after fleeing traffic stop

Nathan Asbury Rivers was arrested after deputies say he fled a traffic stop, and tried to escape law enforcement. (Photo: Sumter Co. Sheriff’s Office)

SUMTER COUNTY, S.C. (WOLO)– A Sumter man has been arrested after deputies say he fled a traffic stop, and tried to escape law enforcement.

Around 10:02 p.m., on Monday night, Jan. 12, 2026, a Sumter County Sheriff’s Office deputy saw a vehicle with defective lights and made a traffic stop.

Deputies say the driver who was identified as Nathan Asbury Rivers was asked to produce his driver’s license, registration, and proof of insurance.

Rivers admitted to having an open warrant and did not have a driver’s license, according to the sheriff’s office.

During the traffic stop, deputies noticed an open container of alcohol in plain view inside the vehicle.

Then Rivers showed a gun and drove away at high speed, says Sumter Co. Sheriff’s Office.

Rivers refused to stop for deputies and hit a ditch on Bendale Drive before threatening deputies’ lives and fleeing in the vehicle.

He was detained a short while after, and placed under arrest.

Also, Rivers was taken to the Sumter County Sheriff’s Office Detention Center and his bond was denied.

Rivers was charged with threatening the life of a public official, resisting arrest with a deadly weapon, felon in possession of a firearm, failure to stop for a blue light, transport alcohol in motor vehicle with seal broken, and more.